Portable electric power hub with AC power receptacles and USB charging ports

ABSTRACT

A portable electric power hub comprises a housing that includes a base section having a perimeter that is defined by a plurality of straight edges that are joined by a first plurality of rounded corners. The portable electric power hub further includes an intermediate section that includes a plurality of sides that are joined together by a second plurality of rounded corners. Each side of the intermediate section is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of straight edges of the base section and each of the second plurality of rounded corners is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one of the first plurality of rounded corners. The portable electric power hub further includes an upper section including a plurality of angulated sides joined by a third plurality of rounded corners. Each angulated side is adjacent to and angulated with respect to a corresponding one of the plurality of sides of the intermediate section and each of the third plurality or rounded corners is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one of the second plurality of rounded corners. The portable electric power hub further includes at least one electric power receptacle positioned on the housing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. application No. 62/518,541,filed Jun. 12, 2017.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable electric power hub for useon work surfaces such as conference tables, desks, workstations and workbenches.

BACKGROUND

Portable electric power hubs are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,088,088,9,176,531, 9,219,341, 9,543,770, 9,618,971 and US D739355.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention sets forth a unique and novel portable electricpower hub that comprises a housing that includes a base section having aperimeter that is defined by a plurality of straight edges that arejoined by a first plurality of rounded corners. The portable electricpower hub further includes an intermediate section that includes aplurality of sides that are joined together by a second plurality ofrounded corners. Each side of the intermediate section is adjacent toand aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of straight edgesof the base section and each of the second plurality of rounded cornersis adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding one of the firstplurality of rounded corners. The portable electric power hub furtherincludes an upper section including a plurality of angulated sidesjoined by a third plurality of rounded corners. Each angulated side isadjacent to and angulated with respect to a corresponding one of theplurality of sides of the intermediate section and each of the thirdplurality or rounded corners is adjacent to and aligned with acorresponding one of the second plurality of rounded corners. Theportable electric power hub further includes at least one electric powerreceptacle positioned on the housing.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the base section has sixstraight edges and six rounded corners.

Certain features and advantages of the present invention have beengenerally described in this summary section. However, additionalfeatures, advantages and embodiments are presented herein or will beapparent to one of ordinary skill of the art in view of the drawings,specification and claims hereof. Accordingly, it should be understoodthat the scope of the invention shall not be limited by the particularembodiments disclosed in this summary section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

References will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples ofwhich may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures areintended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention isgenerally described in the context of these embodiments, it should beunderstood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the inventionto these particular embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable electric power hub inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the portable electric power hub;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the portable electric power hub;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the portable electric power hub;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the portable electric power hub;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an upper section of the housing of theportable electric power hub, the view showing the exterior surface ofthe upper section;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the interior of the upper section ofthe housing;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the interior of the uppersection of the housing;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an intermediate section of the housing,the view showing the intermediate section right side up;

FIG. 9A is another perspective view of the intermediate section of thehousing, the view showing the intermediate section right side up;

FIG. 9B is another perspective view of the intermediate section of thehousing, the view showing the intermediate section upside down so as tofacilitate viewing of electronic circuit boards having USB femalesockets connected thereto;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a portable electric power hub inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the portable electric power hub of FIG.10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, “electric power receptacle” shall include any receptaclethat provides an AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) voltageand includes AC electric power receptacles that provide 110-115 VAC, DCvoltage receptacles or ports and USB female sockets that are that usedto charge communication devices such as smart phones, tablets, PDAs,etc. The USB female sockets include Twin USB Type-A Female Sockets.

As used herein, “work surface” shall include the top surface of anarticle of furniture such as a desktop, tabletop, work bench, workstation or conference table.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown portable electric power hub 20 inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Electric power hub 20 includes base section 22, intermediate section 24and upper section 26. In an exemplary embodiment, base section 22 has aperimeter defined by six straight edges 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 joinedby rounded corners 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and 52. Base section 22 includestop side 60 and bottom side 62. Base section 22 includes a plurality ofvertically upstanding hollow posts 64 that are attached to top side 60.In one embodiment, vertically upstanding hollow posts 64 are integrallyformed as part of base section 22. Each vertically upstanding post 64has an interior region and an opening 66 that leads to the interiorregion. Base section 22 includes a plurality of through-holes, each ofwhich being aligned with a corresponding vertically oriented post 64.Each through-hole leads to the interior region of the correspondingvertically oriented post 64 and is sized for receiving a correspondingscrew 70 (see FIG. 4). Each screw 70 has a predetermined length suchthat it extends from opening 66.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, base section 22 further includes recessedarea 80. In an exemplary embodiment, each recessed areas 80 has asubstantially rectangular shape. The formation of each recessed area 80in base section 22 results in corresponding protruding portions 81 onbottom side 62. In an exemplary embodiment, each protruding portion 81includes an exterior flat surface. Base section 22 includes bosses 83,84 and 85 that are integral with base section 22. In an exemplaryembodiment, base section 22 is molded plastic and bosses 83, 84 and 85are formed during the molding process that forms base section 22. Boss83 includes notch 83A. Boss 84 includes notch 84A. Similarly, boss 85includes notch 85A. Bosses 83, 84 and 85 are not utilized in theembodiment shown in FIG. 5. However, the purpose and function of bosses83, 84 and 85 is described in the ensuing description with respect tothe embodiment shown in FIG. 10. Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 4, arelatively pliable material 86 is attached to the exterior flat surfaceof each protruding portion 81. Suitable pliable material 86 may befabricated from materials such as rubber, resin, etc. The pliablematerial 86 contacts a work surface without causing any damage orsurface abrasions to the work surface. In an exemplary embodiment,pliable material 86 is removably attached to the exterior flat surfaceof each protruding portion 81.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, base section 22 includes electrical cableharness 100 which is sized to fit around a portion of electrical cable400. Base section 22 further includes raised portion 102 that definesthrough-hole 106 which extends through the thickness of base section 22and raised portion 102. Threaded nut 108 is firmly positioned withinthrough-hole 106. This configuration provides a user with the option ofattaching portable electric power hub 20 to a work surface. In order totake advantage of this option, the user must first drill a hole throughthe work surface. The user then inserts a threaded screw through thedrilled hole from the bottom of the work surface. The user then mustalign portable electric power hub 20 with the drilled hole so thethreaded screw enters through-hole 106 and becomes threadedly engagedwith threaded nut 108. The user rotates the threaded screw untilportable electric power hub 20 is firmly positioned on the work surface.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 5, 8 and 9A and 9B, intermediate section 24includes exterior surface 120 that comprises a plurality of straightsides 122A-F and a plurality of rounded corners 124A-F. In an exemplaryembodiment, each side 122A-F is substantially vertically oriented.Intermediate section 24 includes top side 130 and bottom side 132.Intermediate section 24 includes a plurality of upstanding hollow posts134 that are on top side 130. In one embodiment, posts 134 are attachedto top side 130. In another embodiment, posts 134 are integrally formedwith intermediate section 24. Each post 134 has top opening 140 thatleads to the hollow interior of post 134 and bottom opening 142 thatallows entry into the hollow interior region. Each bottom opening 142 issized to receive a corresponding vertically upstanding post 64 of basesection 22. Thus, when intermediate section 24 is mounted to basesection 22, each vertically upstanding post 64 is inserted throughbottom opening 142 of a corresponding upstanding post 134 and into thehollow interior region of that upstanding post 134. Each upstanding post134 includes an alignment structure 144 which facilitates aligning eachpost 134 with a corresponding threaded screw-receiving member 150 thatis attached to the interior side 160 of upper section 26 (see FIG. 6B).The purpose of screw receiving members 150 is discussed in the ensuingdescription. In an exemplary embodiment, each alignment structure 144 isgenerally semi-circular in shape. This particular shape facilitatesplacement and alignment of a corresponding screw receiving member 150 soas to allow screws 70 to be inserted through upstanding post members 64and 134 and into threaded screw inlets of screw-receiving members 150 inorder to attach or join base section 22, intermediate section 24 andupper section 26 together.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 8, 9A and 9B, intermediate section 24 furtherincludes electrical circuit board covers structures 200, 202 and 204. Inan exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, electrical circuit boardcover structures 200, 202 and 204 extend radially from the center ofintermediate section 24. Electrical circuit board cover structure 200includes air vents 206, wire through-holes 208 and electrical wireterminal retainer 210. Electrical wire terminal 216 is removably securedwithin electrical wire terminal retainer 210. Similarly, electricalcircuit board cover structure 202 includes air vents 220, wirethrough-holes 222 and electrical wire terminal retainer 224. Electricalwire terminal 230 is removably secured within electrical wire terminalretainer 224. Electrical circuit board cover structure 204 includes airvents 232 and wire through-holes 234. In this embodiment, electricalcircuit board cover structure 204 does not have a correspondingelectrical wire terminal retainer as does electrical circuit coverstructures 200 and 202. Intermediate section 24 further includes airvents 240, the purpose of which is described in the ensuing description.

Referring to FIG. 9B, there is shown intermediate section 24 in upsidedown position. Intermediate section 24 further includes electricalcircuit boards 250, 252 and 254. Electrical circuit board 250 isattached to bottom side 132 and positioned under electrical circuitboard cover structure 200. Electrical wires (not shown) are electricallyconnected to electrical circuit board 250 and pass through wirethrough-holes 208. Electrical circuit board 252 is attached to bottomside 132 and positioned under electrical circuit board cover structure202. Electrical wires (not shown) are electrically connected toelectrical circuit board 252 and pass through wire through-holes 222.Similarly, electrical circuit board 254 is attached to bottom side 132and positioned under electrical circuit board cover structure 204.Electrical wires (not shown) are electrically connected to electricalboard 254 and pass through wire through-holes 234. In an exemplaryembodiment, electrical circuit boards 250, 252 and 254 are screwed viascrews 270 to threaded inlets in upstanding posts or standoffs (notshown) that are attached to or integral with bottom side 132 ofintermediate section 24. However, it is to be understood that othertechniques maybe used to attach electrical circuit boards 250, 252 and254 to bottom side 132. Heat generated by electrical circuit boards 250,252 and 254 passes through air vents 206, 220 and 232, respectively.This heat also passes through air vents 240 (see FIG. 5).

Referring to FIGS. 5, 8 and 9B, each electrical circuit board 250, 252and 254 includes an electric power receptacle 300, 302 and 304,respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, each electric power receptaclecomprises dual USB female sockets. In such an embodiment, eachelectrical circuit board 250, 252 and 254 comprises electrical circuitrythat converts 110-120 VAC to a DC voltage suitable for charging wirelesscommunication devices such as smart phones, tablets, PDAs, etc. This DCvoltage is available at each of the dual USB female sockets. In oneembodiment, the dual USB female sockets are configured as dual USBType-A Female Sockets. As shown in FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B, each USB femalesocket is accessible through a corresponding opening in one of the sidesof the intermediate section 24. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, side122A has openings 350A and 350B that allow access to the USB femalesockets of electric power receptacle 300 of electrical circuit board250. Similarly, in FIG. 9B, side 122E has openings 352A and 352B thatallow access to the USB female sockets of electrical power receptacle302 of electrical circuit board 252. Electrical circuit board 254 alsoincludes electrical power receptacle 304 which has dual USB femalesockets that are aligned with corresponding openings (not shown) in side122C of intermediate section 24.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, intermediate section 24 includeselectrical cable 400 which contains “hot”, “neutral” and electricalground wires as is known in the art. Electrical cable 400 includes maleplug 402 which is adapted to be electrically connected to a source of ACelectric power. Intermediate section 24 further includes upstandingposts 404 that are attached to or integrally formed with bottom side132. Each post 404 has threaded inlets for receiving screws 406. Clampmember 410 has through-holes for receiving screws 406. When screws 406are inserted through the through-holes of clamp member 410 andthreadedly engage the threaded inlets of posts 404, clamp member 410presses against electrical cable 400 so as to provide strain relief.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 5, 6A, 6B and 7, upper section 26 includes aplurality of straight sides 500A-F and round curves 502A-F, top exteriorside 504 and interior side 505. Straight sides 500A-F are aligned withand adjacent to straight sides 122A-F, respectively, of intermediatesection 24. Each rounded corner 502A-F is aligned with and adjacent to acorresponding rounded corner 124A-F, respectively, of intermediatesection 24. In an exemplary embodiment, straight sides 500A-F areangulated inward with respect to straight sides 122A-F, respectively, asshown in FIGS. 1-3. In one exemplary embodiment, the degree ofangulation of each straight side 500A-F is about 30 degrees. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the degree of angulation of each straight side500A-F is 45 degrees. However, it is to be understood that other degreesof angulation are possible. Screw receiving members 150 are attached toand upwardly extend from interior side 505. In another embodiment, screwreceiving members 150 are integrally formed with interior side 505.

Upper section 26 includes electrical connector retainers 550, 552 and554 which all have the same structure. Electrical connector retainer 550includes side walls 560 and 562. The space between side walls 560 and562 is sized to allow an electrical connector 570 to be frictionallypositioned between sidewalls 560 and 562. Such a configuration allowselectrical connector 570 to be removed from electrical connectorretainer 550. Similarly, electrical connector 572 is frictionallypositioned within electrical connector retainer 552. Similarly,electrical connector 574 is frictionally positioned within electricalconnector retainer 554.

Upper section 26 includes AC electric power receptacles 610, 612 and614. In an exemplary embodiment, AC electric power receptacles 610, 612and 614 are mounted to alternate sides of upper section 26. For example,AC electric power receptacle 610 is mounted or attached to side 500B, ACelectric power receptacle 612 is mounted to or attached to side 500D andAC electric power receptacle 614 is mounted or attached to side 500F. Inan exemplary embodiment, each AC electric power receptacle 610, 612 and614 includes resilient tabs that allow each AC electric power receptacle610, 612 and 614 to be snapped into place within a corresponding openingin one of the sides of upper section 26. For example, as shown in FIGS.6B and 7, AC electric power receptacle 610 includes resilient tabs 800and an additional resilient tab (not shown) that is on the other side ofAC electric power receptacle 610 which allow AC electric powerreceptacle 610 to be snapped into place within opening 900 in side 500B.Specifically, once AC electrical power receptacle 610 is snapped inplace, resilient tabs 800 abut frame 802. In an exemplary embodiment,frame 802 is integral with upper section 26. In another embodiment,frame 802 is attached to the interior surface of upper section 26.Similarly, AC electric power receptacle 612 includes resilient tabs 804and an additional tab (not shown) that is on the other side of ACelectric power receptacle 612 which allow AC electric power receptacle612 to be snapped into place within a corresponding opening in side 500Dof upper section 26. Once AC electric power receptacle 612 is snappedinto place, resilient tabs 804 abut frame 806 which may be integrallyformed with upper section 26 or attached to the interior surface ofupper section 26. Similarly, AC electric power receptacle 614 includesresilient tabs 808 and a third resilient tab (not shown) on the otherside of AC electric power receptacle 614 that allow AC electric powerreceptacle 614 to be snapped into place within a corresponding openingin side 500F of upper section 26. Once AC electric power receptacle 614is snapped into place, resilient tabs 808 abut the corresponding frame(not shown but similar to frames 802 and 806). The aforementionedresilient tabs on the AC electric power receptacles allow the ACelectric power receptacles to be removably attached or mounted to uppersection 26. Other techniques may be used to removably attach or mountthe AC electric power receptacles to upper portion 26. In anotherembodiment, the AC electrical power receptacles are rigidly attached toupper section 26.

The “hot”, “neutral” and electrical ground wires contained withinelectrical cable 400, and additional wires (not shown) internal toportable electric power hub 20 and electrical wire connectors 216, 230,570, 572 and 574 form a wiring network that provides 110-120 VAC to ACelectric power receptacles 610, 612 and 614, and electrical circuits250, 252 and 254.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown portable electric power hub 1000 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Portableelectric power hub 1000 comprises a housing which comprises base section22, intermediate section 1004 and upper section 26. Base section 22 hasalready been described herein and is therefore not described in detail.Upper section 26 includes AC power receptacles 610, 612 and 614. Uppersection 26 has already been described herein and is therefore notdescribed in detail. Section 1004 includes electrical circuit boardcovers 1020, 1022 and 1024 which are similar to electric circuit boardcovers 200, 202 and 204 shown in FIG. 8 except electrical circuit boardcovers 1020, 1022 and 1024, and the corresponding electrical circuitboards (not shown), are arranged laterally with respect to the centerpoint of intermediate section 1004. Such a configuration shifts theposition of the dual USB female sockets. Specifically, the dual USBfemale sockets are now located at one end of the straight side adjacentto a rounded corner. For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, dual USBfemale sockets 1030 and 1032 are positioned at one end of straight side1050 near rounded corner 1052. Electrical cable 1100 has the sameconfiguration and function as cable 400. Bosses 83, 84 and 85 of eachrecessed area 80 support the electrical circuit boards (not shown) thatare housed within laterally oriented circuit board covers 1020, 1022 and1024. Specifically, notches 83A, 84A and 85A of bosses 83, 84 and 85,respectively, receive corresponding portions of the electrical circuitboard (not shown) thereby providing support to the electrical circuitboard.

Any one of a variety of suitable materials may be used to fabricateportable electric power hubs 20 and 1000, e.g. plastic, resin, rubber,PVC, metal, composite materials, etc.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications so as tothereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the inventionand various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable electric power hub for placement on awork surface, comprising: a housing including: a base section having aperimeter that is defined by a plurality of straight edges joined by afirst plurality of rounded corners, an intermediate section including aplurality of vertically oriented sides that are joined together by asecond plurality of rounded corners, wherein each side of theintermediate section is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding oneof the plurality of straight edges of the base section and wherein eachof the second plurality of rounded corners is adjacent to and alignedwith a corresponding one of the first plurality of rounded corners,wherein the vertically oriented sides are perpendicular to a worksurface when the portable electric power hub is placed on such worksurface and wherein each vertically oriented side has a surface areathat is sufficiently sized for attaching thereto an electric powerreceptacle; an upper section including a plurality of angulated sidesjoined by a third plurality of rounded corners, wherein each angulatedside is adjacent to and angulated inward with respect to a correspondingone of the plurality of sides of the intermediate section and whereineach of the third plurality of rounded corners is adjacent and alignedwith a corresponding one of the second plurality of rounded corners; aplurality of AC electric power receptacles, wherein one AC electricpower receptacle is positioned on every other angulated side of theupper section; a plurality of USB female sockets, wherein one USB femalesocket is positioned on every other vertically oriented side; aplurality of electrical circuits, wherein each circuit is electricallyconnected to a corresponding USB female socket and configured to convertAC electric power to DC electric power and provide the DC electric powerto the USB female socket; an electrical power cable for providingelectrical power to the AC electric power receptacles and electricalcircuits and being adapted to be connected to a source of electricalpower; and means for removably attaching the portable electrical powerhub to the work surface.
 2. The portable electric power hub according toclaim 1 wherein each AC electric power receptacle is removably attachedto the angulated side.
 3. The portable electric power hub according toclaim 1 wherein the perimeter of said base section is defined by sixstraight edges joined by said first plurality of rounded corners.
 4. Theportable electric power hub according to claim 1 further comprisingmeans for interconnecting the base section, intermediate section andupper section.
 5. A portable electric power hub for placement on a worksurface, comprising: a housing including: a base section having aperimeter that is defined by a plurality of straight edges joined by afirst plurality of rounded corners, an intermediate section including aplurality of vertically oriented sides that are joined together by asecond plurality of rounded corners, wherein each side of theintermediate section is adjacent to and aligned with a corresponding oneof the plurality of straight edges of the base section and wherein eachof the second plurality of rounded corners is adjacent to and alignedwith a corresponding one of the first plurality of rounded corners,wherein the vertically oriented sides are perpendicular to a worksurface when the portable electric power hub is placed on such worksurface and wherein each vertically oriented side has a surface areathat is sufficiently sized for attaching thereto an electric powerreceptacle; an upper section including a plurality of angulated sidesjoined by a third plurality of rounded corners, wherein each angulatedside is adjacent to and angulated inward with respect to a correspondingone of the plurality of sides of the intermediate section and whereineach of the third plurality of rounded corners is adjacent and alignedwith a corresponding one of the second plurality of rounded corners; aplurality of AC electric power receptacles, wherein one AC electricpower receptacle is positioned on every other angulated side of theupper section; a plurality of USB female sockets, wherein one USB femalesocket is positioned on every other vertically oriented side; aplurality of electrical circuits, wherein each circuit is electricallyconnected to a corresponding USB female socket and configured to convertAC electric power to DC electric power and provide the DC electric powerto the USB female socket; an electrical power cable for providingelectrical power to the AC electric power receptacles and electricalcircuits and being adapted to be connected to a source of electricalpower; and means for interconnecting the base section, intermediatesection and upper section.